The Pittsburgh Steelers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 27-20 upset victory over the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh's defense forced six turnovers, including five from the Colts' offense, while holding Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards on 14 carries. Aaron Rodgers threw for 203 yards and a touchdown as the Steelers improved to 5-3.
Game Overview
The Steelers' defense delivered its strongest performance of the season, sacking Daniel Jones five times and forcing three interceptions and two fumbles. T.J. Watt sparked the turnaround with a strip-sack in the second quarter, recovering the ball himself to end a Colts drive and tie the game at 7-7. This led to a Pittsburgh touchdown drive capped by Jaylen Warren's first score.
Subsequent turnovers included a muffed punt recovered by Kalen Echols, a strip-sack by Alex Highsmith recovered by Derrick Harmon, an interception by Payton Wilson, a tip by Wilson leading to Jack Sawyer's pick, and a late interception by Joey Porter Jr. These plays fueled Pittsburgh's 24-7 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Colts added late garbage-time scores, but the Steelers held on.
Offensive Highlights
Aaron Rodgers completed passes for 203 yards and a 12-yard touchdown to Pat Freiermuth in the second quarter. Warren rushed for two touchdowns, including a 5-yard score that extended the lead to 24-7. Despite early struggles, including a failed fourth-down attempt near the goal line, Pittsburgh's offense capitalized on short fields provided by the defense.
Tight end Darnell Washington caught four passes for key gains in the second half, redeeming early drops. Rodgers praised Washington's effort postgame: "When 80’s on the field, we’re a better offense."
Defensive Standouts and Context
Newly acquired safety Kyle Dugger played 77 of 78 snaps in his debut, recording four tackles and earning a game ball from Mike Tomlin. Jalen Ramsey shifted to safety full-time due to injuries at the position, playing all 59 defensive snaps and delivering big hits. Tomlin credited the unit's simplicity: "Just pin our ears back. Smashing the run obviously helps."
Cam Heyward highlighted the pressure's impact: "We got pressure early, and we really put our foot on the gas with that. When you do that, it makes a team one-dimensional."
The win came on the 20th anniversary of Super Bowl XL, with alumni in attendance providing added motivation, per Joey Porter Jr.: "They added a lot of juice for us today. This was a statement game for us."
Pittsburgh limited the NFL's top offense to 368 total yards on 74 plays, marking their second game with at least five takeaways in a win by seven points.
